Canada's Magnificent Condo

Testing reveals how well this building's design and construction are withstanding the test of time - and building occupancy.

How do you know if a building that was designed to be innovative, energy efficient, and healthy is fulfilling that design? You test it after the occupants have moved in. In 1998–99, a six-story, 48-unit condominium was designed and built to meet the four main goals of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Innovative Durable Energy Efficient Affordable Solutions (IDEAS) Challenge, and Natural Resources Canada’s Commercial Building Incentive program (CBIP).These goals include envelope durability, energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), and environmental and resource conservation.The building was designed to consume 35% less energy than a similar building that meets the Canadian Model National Energy Code for Buildings, and to provide better thermal comfort and IAQ than are found in typical apartment buildings. Many advanced or innovative features were integrated into the design and construction of the building: The building has a tight and wellinsulated envelope consisting of an exterior insulating finish system (EIFS) and brick veneer cladding.The EIFS system consists of stucco applied over a semirigid insulation that is fastened through the wall sheathing ...